As wedding season approaches, my inbox is buzzing with a host of etiquette-related questions. The happy couple (and their closest friends and family members) want to be sure everything is in place for the joyous occasion.
Wedding etiquette is one of my favorite topics to cover; my blog archives may be a helpful resource as to-do lists take shape. Speaking of such resources, we have some advice that is sure to help the brides-to-be. Enjoy this fun article with some planning tips inspired by Chime.
When you have 50,000 things to keep track of for your wedding day (exaggerating, of course… but not by much), it can be easy to forget a few of the things that make it all come together. Mostly concerned with finding the perfect wedding dress, booking the perfect venue, and hosting a spectacular reception, many of the smaller considerations often get lost in the shuffle. But that doesn’t make them any less essential. We’re talking about things that can make or break your day-of (yikes!). So, to make sure you’re in the running for Best Bride 2019, remember to:
Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many couples aren’t technically married (at least in the eyes of the law) even after their big day—and it’s not as intuitive as you’d think. In most cases, you have to apply for your marriage license in the same county you’ll be getting married. Therefore, you’ll need to know when and where you’ll be having your nuptials beforehand. Additionally, different states have different protocols. If applying in Texas, you have to wait at least 72 hours after obtaining your certificate for it to be legally valid. So, do your homework ahead of time to avoid this not as uncommon as you think headache.
Get Your Finances in Order
If you’re like most brides, you’re probably shelling out thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars for your wedding. It goes without saying that keeping track of who gets paid, when, and how much can be a lot to process. The last thing you want to forget is a payment due date and end up with vendors missing on your wedding day. Solution? Maintain an online spreadsheet throughout the process of wedding planning which includes the quoted, planned, and actual costs of all services you book for your big day. To check your work, be sure to refer to your list of expenses via your online bank account, or any budgeting tools you use that log transactions in real time. This will help make sure you never miss a beat and that your day goes according to plan.
Bring a Change of Clothes
When you’ve been standing around for hours on hardwood floors, stone, or gravel, you’re going to wish you had something comfier to slip into. Especially after a few laps around the reception venue to thank your guests for sharing your day. Bringing along a pair of ballet flats will make your transition to the dance floor much easier. You might even want to consider investing in a second outfit to wear at the reception to avoid possible tears or spills on your beloved wedding dress!
Remember an Emergency Beauty Kit
After your hair, makeup, and nails appointments are complete, you’ll surely walk out looking like a movie star. However, weddings are arduous events that can last the entire day. It wouldn’t hurt to be prepared for any potential ‘what-ifs’ with an emergency beauty kit. This might include cry-proof lashes, extra lash glue, waterproof mascara, hair spray, bobby pins, and deodorant. You’ll be able to give yourself a quick touch-up at any point so all of your wedding photos come out looking fantastic!
Eat
A wedding schedule is jam-packed with activities. From walking down the aisle and exchanging vows, to the first dance and endless photo ops, you’ll no doubt start feeling the pangs of hunger creep in. Many brides are guilty of not eating and hydrating enough on their big day and feeling faint. But, that’s why it’s important to have a few healthy snacks ready for the lull. The last thing you want to do is feel sick on your special day.
Practice the Kiss
By this time, you’ve probably kissed your significant other more than a thousand times. It might sound weird to suggest practicing your first kiss as a married couple. However, this isn’t your typical kiss. You’ll be asked to do this in front of parents, grandparents, children, and in-laws. Pull back the veil and give us your best day-time-television appropriate kiss!
Choose Your Lipstick Wisely
It’s best to choose your lipstick with a little strategy in mind. That might be one that doesn’t transfer onto others, won’t stain the wedding dress, and doesn’t have to be reapplied throughout the day. Your spouse and wedding photographer will thank you for the attention you pay to details!
Revel in the Moment
Your wedding day is many things: a ceremony dedicated to committing your eternal love, a joyous family and friend reunion and the perfect excuse to eat a three-layer cake without guilt. But don’t forget why you’re here in the first place. This day is for you and your brand new mate. Enjoy yourself.
You may also like 14 Wedding Traditions You Can Skip. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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